COA criticizes MWSS over structures built on Bigte-La Mesa Aqueduct

The Commission of Audit criticized the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System for not preventing homeowners and businesses from building over the Bigte-La Mesa Aqueduct, GMA News TV's "State of the Nation with Jessica Soho" reported Friday.


 
In one case, a COA inspection found a garage for buses had been built over a section of the aqueduct without the MWSS's permission.

The COA warned that such facilities could compromise the aqueduct's water pipe and tunnel, contaminating the water that passes through it.

Additionally, the build-up could make it difficult for the MWSS to repair the aqueduct.

The commission thus suggested that the businesses and homeowners who built over the aqueduct should be relocated, and that rent should be collected from the said businesses.  

However, the MWSS explained the aqueduct was old and was hardly ever used as it had passed "beyond [its] economic life."

Nevertheless, in response to the COA's criticisms, the MWSS has started walling in its properties in Bulacan and Quezon City. — DVM, GMA News